Page 24 of Third Time's the Charm

“Because you make me feel like a queen.” I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him.

“Well then.’’ He smiled against my lips and spun me, dipping me low. “Merry Christmas Eve, Berlin.”

We stood up there for a few minutes just holding each other. Part of me wanted to confess about last night, but what would that accomplish? No, it was best to simply forget that kiss, and even better, forget that Jack existed.

“Is this what you enjoy about your work?” he asked. “Being outside?”

“Yes,” I answered carefully. “I love all of this. It definitely helps. But it’s more than that. I love being somewhere I can see the history. I know who set foot here before me. I can imagine what their life looked like. This island has been home to men who built ships and lighthouses, a field hospital, a little town, and before all of them, Native Americans passed by. Some lived here too, just like on Mistletoe Key. There’s thousands of years of history all around us. That’s what I love.”

He nodded, but he looked like he had more questions on his lips, but he shook them off. “So you’re thinking February still?”

“If New Year’s is too soon, then yes. I like February.”

He was quiet as we returned to the boat and moved on to Lignumvitae, another island that was a State Botanical Park and also an Archaeological Park on the National Register of Historic Places. Normally there were tours, but today was a holiday and the park was closed.

“This place is really cool. Like, goals cool. This chemist from Miami, built the house, and then a windmill to power it, and the cistern to capture rainwater. It’s basically Swiss Family Robinson cool.” I babbled away like I always did when I was excited, but I seriously loved this island.

Ryker took my hand. “Now this I can get behind.”

“A quiet island with no one on it?”

“My dream come true!” he laughed.

I squeezed his hand. “Well now we have a plan.”

He stared at me again, his lips moving, but no words coming out. And then he smiled. “Sounds perfect.”

Chapter 6

Willingly lulled into a false sense of complacency

Jack

There was no room at the inn. Everyone arrived full of enthusiasm and holiday cheer. Even I was feeling it after seeing Berlin last night.

“You sure you’re good with the couch?” Erik asked as he handed me a pillow.

“Of course. It will be like when we were kids and we had fort night in the living room.” Except in this case I was a fully grown divorced man and I was camping out with my nieces and nephews.

“You’ll be their favorite uncle after this.”

“Like it was any contest.”

Erik punched me. I punched him back. “You ready to meet Antonio?”

I tucked the blankets away beside the couch for later tonight. “How long have you known about him?”

“An hour ago. Mom said hello, explained our sleeping arrangements and said she had a guest coming for dinner.Boom.” He made an exploding motion with his hands. “Dang she’s sneaky for a woman who is all up in our love lives.”

“I bet it feels weird. Not only is it a new man, it’s not Pop.”

“What kind of kids would we be if we didn't support her the way she supported us?”

I shrugged. “Well tonight we’ll show her, and maybe she’ll calm down.”

The living room was quickly invaded with children. “Uncle Jack, will you play Connect Four with me?” Little blue-eyed Aurora asked.

And how could I say no to that? “I’m all yours.”

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